How to Make Your Pet Not Hate Getting Their Teeth Brushed

Here’s some advice if you’re one of the few pet owners whose cat or dog can’t stoically endure a full brushing session. When you try to brush a pet’s teeth for the first few times, some animals will buck, roll, and squirm away. However, it’s fairly simple to train your pet to voluntarily sit during a dental cleaning. Here’s how to get your pet used to having their teeth brushed by you.

Six suggestions for cats and dogs who detest tooth brushing

What if, however, your pet detests having their teeth brushed? What if you are pressed for time? What if you are giving them toys and chews for their teeth? That implies that you are excused from brushing their teeth, right?

Although these are typical reactions, it is possible to gradually learn your pet to love oral care procedures like brushing their teeth. Making the time to brush their teeth can significantly improve their quality of life and oral health. Although eating dental chews and toys helps your pet’s oral health, it doesn’t provide the same advantages as manually brushing your pet’s teeth, just like humans do! Just try to picture a year without brushing your teeth.

We offer some suggestions to assist you win over pets who don’t enjoy having their teeth brushed.

1. First, check their teeth

Examine your pet’s teeth for indications of dental disease before you begin brushing them.

Before you continue brushing, consult your local vet if your dog or cat has loose teeth, bleeding or swollen gums, or feels sensitive around the mouth.

2. Begin by focusing on their mouth

Get your cat or dog into a comfortable position. Ensure they are at ease by approaching them on their level. Don’t restrain them.

As you pat your pet, slowly begin to put your fingers in their mouth.

Get your pet used to the concept of you touching their lips and surrounding areas over the course of a few days to a week. The aim is to accentuate the good. Give them lots of compliments, pats, or a dental reward for allowing you to touch their mouth’s interior and exterior.

3. Present pet toothpaste

For this step, you will need some pet toothpaste. Use only pet-safe toothpaste because human toothpaste contains components that can upset your pet’s stomach. Since pets cannot spit, toothpaste must be suitable for them.

Let them try it after applying some pet toothpaste to your fingertip.

Try a different flavor of toothpaste if they still won’t lick it after several tries. Pet toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors to accommodate your dog’s or cat’s individual taste preferences.

Once you’ve discovered a flavor they enjoy, dab some on your fingertip and use it to gently rub their teeth.

4. Present the toothbrush

Six suggestions for cats and dogs who detest tooth brushing

For this stage, you’ll need a toothbrush made specifically for pets. They have softer bristles that are designed to fit your pet’s mouth. For cats and small dogs, finger brushes work well. For larger canines, long-handled toothbrushes provide better reach. Never brush your pet’s teeth with an adult human toothbrush. If necessary, you might use a gentle “My First Toothbrush” for children. Additionally, you can use a face washer wrapped around your finger or gauze swabs.

• Use the toothbrush with toothpaste after your pet is comfortable with you touching inside their mouth.
• To their gum line, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle.
• Brush each tooth’s surface gently in small circles by lifting their top lip.

5. Gradual accumulation

Six suggestions for cats and dogs who detest tooth brushing

Start with a few easily accessible teeth, then add more each day. Plaque tends to accumulate on the rear teeth and outside (cheek-facing) teeth, so start there. It would be excellent if you could clean the interior of their teeth. Keep each brushing session brief and soft, and try to have fun. Ideally, you should brush your pet’s teeth every day, but even once a week will help.

6. Encourage and reward

While you are brushing your pet’s teeth, be kind to them and talk to them.

When you’re done, offer them a prize. Dental treats, pats, compliments, toys, and playing are all examples of rewards. By doing this, you may both make it simpler for them by helping them to associate cleaning their teeth with good things.

Keep in mind to collaborate with a veterinary dentist

Even while brushing your pet’s teeth at home is crucial, you still need to work with a veterinary dentist to maintain your pet’s oral health. Plaque needs to be cleaned out of hard-to-reach places and below the gum line by a veterinary dentist on a regular basis. Additionally, during this procedure, the teeth and gums of your pet can be carefully inspected to look for any potential problems. If any, your veterinary dentist can conduct restorative procedures to address the condition and address any potential future problems.